Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected left lower extremity radiculopathy and PTSD have been granted. A TDIU is also granted, effective October 15, 2015. SMC based on aid and attendance is also granted.

The Board dismissed the appeals on three issues related to service connection for low back disability, left lower extremity sciatica, and right lower extremity sciatica due to the Veteran's death.

The Board denied service connection for a back disability and radiculopathy of the lower extremities due to lack of evidence showing chronicity or causation in service, and post-service treatment records do not show continuity of symptomatology.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evaluation of the Veteran's right hip disability and lower extremity neuropathy. The Veteran will need a VA examination to assess his range of motion, as well as whether his leg numbness and tingling are related to his service-connected right hip condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to dress, bathe himself, feed himself without assistance, and requires regular aid and attendance. The Board has granted special monthly compensation based on housebound status or need for aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the claim for additional development, including obtaining updated employment information and a VA vocational specialist's opinion on the Veteran's employability due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD and left lower extremity radiculopathy are not rated higher than the current assigned ratings of 70 percent for PTSD and 20 percent for radiculopathy, respectively.

The Veteran's tension headaches are caused by his service-connected bilateral pes cavus with metatarsalgia, peripheral neuropathy of the left and right foot, patellofemoral pain syndrome of the left and right knee, and left lower extremity femoral radiculopathy. The Board has granted service connection for these headaches on a secondary basis.

The Board's decision is vacated and a new decision will be issued under the Appeals Modernization Act (AMA) for the issues of entitlement to a disability rating in excess of 40 percent for lumbar spine disability, left lower extremity radiculopathy, right lower extremity radiculopathy, service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, and TDIU.

The Veteran's unspecified depressive disorder is rated at 70% effective March 16, 2021. The earlier effective date for the left lower extremity radiculopathy rating remains October 1, 2018. A TDIU has been granted.

The Board denied service connection for low back, right and left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right and left knee disabilities. The evidence did not show these conditions were present in service or within one year of separation.,The Board also found that the Veteran's current psoriatic arthritis, psychiatric disorders, liver disability, and circulatory disorder are not related to his service-connected ankle disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to a failure to provide the claimant with a copy of the Supplemental Statement of the Case (SSOC). The RO must send a copy of the August 2020 SSOC to the claimant before proceeding.

The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy/peroneal neuropathy is not service-connected, as the evidence does not establish a link to his military service or any service-connected condition.,For the period from January 1, 2014 and continuing thereafter, the Veteran’s left shoulder tendonitis and impingement syndrome do not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Veteran was granted TDIU for the period from February 21, 2019 to November 7, 2019 and from November 19, 2020. SMC was also granted effective November 7, 2019.,Prior to February 21, 2019, the Veteran's combined disability rating did not meet the requirements for a schedular TDIU rating. However, due to his employment status and service-connected disabilities affecting his ability to work, an extraschedular TDIU was granted.

The Veteran withdrew his claims for increased ratings for lumbar spondylosis with degenerative arthritis and right lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Board has granted service connection for a back disability and left lower extremity radiculopathy, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether these conditions originated during active duty service. The decision also grants secondary service connection for left lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, benign prostatic hypertrophy, and right lower extremity radiculopathy due to inadequate opinions regarding flare-ups and functional impairment.

The Veteran's initial rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy has been granted at a 20% level, effective from the date of claim. The service-connected lumbosacral strain with degenerative joint disease and IVDS remains rated at 40%. There is no indication of unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes for intervertebral disc syndrome.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy due to inadequate development. A new medical opinion is needed to address whether the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability causes or aggravates his diagnosed radiculopathy.

The Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for vitiligo, service connection for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy have been remanded due to insufficient evidence. The Board found that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a current diagnosis of depression or other acquired psychiatric disorder.